Validity of [123I]β‐CIT SPECT in detecting MDMA‐induced serotonergic neurotoxicity
Synapse – September 05, 2002
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
MDMA use significantly impacts serotonin transporters in the brain. In a study involving a rhesus monkey, SPECT scans showed a 39% reduction in serotonin transporter (SERT) density in the hypothalamic/midbrain region 31 days post-MDMA treatment. Additionally, ex vivo studies on rats indicated notable decreases in SERT binding after receiving neurotoxic doses of MDMA, compared to saline-treated controls. These findings validate [123 I]β‐CIT SPECT as an effective method for detecting MDMA-induced serotonergic damage, highlighting its potential implications across various fields including pharmacology and neuroscience.
Abstract
Abstract Recent [ 123 I]β‐CIT single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies revealed decreased serotonin transporters (SERT) density in the brain of humans with a history of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) use. However, [ 123 I]β‐CIT SPECT has until now not been validated as a method for detecting such serotonergic lesions. Therefore, the present study was undertaken. Following baseline [ 123 I]β‐CIT SPECT scans, a rhesus monkey was treated with MDMA (5 mg/kg, s.c. twice daily for 4 consecutive days). SPECT studies 4, 10, and 31 days after MDMA treatment revealed decreases in [ 123 I]β‐CIT binding ratios in the SERT‐rich brain region studied (hypothalamic/midbrain region), with SERT density reduced by 39% in this brain region 31 days after treatment. Data obtained with SPECT studies correlated well with SERT density determined with autoradiography after sacrifice of the animal (−34%). In addition, ex vivo [ 123 I]β‐CIT binding studies in rats 1 week after treatment with neurotoxic doses of MDMA (20 mg/kg s.c. twice daily for 4 consecutive days) revealed significant reductions in [ 123 I]β‐CIT binding in SERT‐rich regions (including the hypothalamus) when compared to saline‐treated rats. The combined results of these studies indicate that SPECT imaging of SERT with [ 123 I]β‐CIT can detect changes in SERT density secondary to MDMA‐induced neurotoxicity in the hypothalamic/midbrain region, and possibly other brain regions. Synapse 46:199–205, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.